Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1887-01-07
THE BASILISK.
A STORY OFTO.DAY.
CHAPTER XVI.
A BLOW.

Ny position was now truly terrible
one. My sin, if sin it were under the
circumstances, had found me out.
The secret motive, which had really
prompted my deceit, had grown strong
er and stronger; and I found myself as
powerless as ever to protect where
now so deeply loved. At least, had
paid some tribute to the claims of duty
in expressing desire to leave Hanover
Lodge. My proposal had been ret>r-
ed by the Basilisk; and had at least
the satisfaction of staying now distinct
ly at the request of another. How my
presence could benefit her, whom l
knew so surely to need my help I could
not see. But at any rate, it was bet
ter to be near her than far away.
For the next two days life glided ON
in the quietest and most uneventful
manner. Miss Beaufoy was as calm as
ever she had been. No sign Of deeper
feelings disturbed her serene and Dig
nified friendiness.
On the third day, Mr.. Beaufoy re.
marked that he was going to town on
some business.
"Perhaps, Mr.. Coplestone," he said
with much suavity, ''you would like to
accompany us? You have not been
outside the place yet since you came.
1 should particularly like you to come I"
Twas, in truth, delighted with the
suggestion, and readily accepted the
invitation.
1--WE are going to drive, and will
start Immediately after luncheon" he
said.
In spite of all my anxieties, felt a
keen sense of pleasure at thus renew
ing my acquaintance with the outside
world, and I was the better prepared
to enjoy the change, inasmuch as Miss
Beaufoy had reported the day before
that Mary was great deal better-al-
most recovered, in fact. It seemed not
unlikely that on our return might see
her once more in the drawing room,
awaiting us, ar that the interest of life
might once :, revive.
Lunchec was scarcely over when
the sound1 fwheels was heard on the
drive. Il a very quiet looking car
rage, dra IN by one very quiet looking
horse, driven by Hardy. There was
something very unpretentious about
the equipage. and yet there was q GER
tain distinction. Quietness and quality
were combined, and the one horse was
quite episcopal in his dignity and de-
corum. :
| hoped for some reasons that PloW-
WITT would accompany us, and, having
had evidence of his dislike to solitude
I rather expected that he would. But
he saw Us into the carriage with his
accustomed politeness, and went back,
full of bows and smiles, into the solitary
house.
The drive was most delightful to me.
The afternoon was very fine-a soft
sunny autumn afternoon. Myemotions
Of delight were too deep for words. My
companions, after few remarks, re-
lapsed into silence, and left me free to
enjoy my meditations, and to make the
best use I could of my eyes without
betraying too vivid an interest in the
autumn scenery and the signs of life
around us. We called at the offices of
several charitable and educational
societies, and I observed that MI. Beau
toy was treated with great respect by the
officials, one or other of whom accom-
panied him back to his carriage, and
showed that sort of politeness which is
bestowed upon man with whom it is
well to be, and to beseen to be, on good
terms. Hardy, solemnly seated on the
box behind the episcopal horse, struck
my sense of humor with considerable
force, but Mr.. Beaufoy, unctuously ac-
cepting the toadying of the officers of
charitable societies, disguised me, and
the idea of a day of discoveries and
revelations took rather dramatic form
in my thoughts. Miss Beaufoy had re-
NAMED in the carriage while her father
had gone into several Offices and depote
for few minutes at a time. On his re-
turn from one of these, Miss Beaufoy
expressed desire to 60 somewhere for
! . cup of tea. IL
"Certainly, my DEAR" said her father
In round full tone which was very diff
fercnt from his ordinary curt and crisp
utterances. He was evidently some
thing of an actor, and artistically lived
up to the part no was playing. "Ccr-
tainly, my dear. We will go to the
Psychophantastical Society,"" and he
directed Hardy 10 drive there.
Here we alightc.l. and Mr.. Bcaufoy
very kindly guided me up the steps,
and along the spacious corridor of this
wealthy and useful society's depot,
which combines shops, show-rooms,
offices, committee-rooms, and what we
now sought-a spacious tea-room,
where members could combine business
with light refreshments. e.
As we sat in the decorous gloom Of
this room, impregnated with the spirit
of sanctimony and bohea, Mr.. Beaufoy
began to talk verv kindly of my condi-
ton. He enlarged on the magnitude of
the work done by tho Society, and
on the number of persons Of all kinds in
its employment. :. -.
II don't think yon would find any
difficulty in getting post herewith
my influence, he said. :@tsst
'1nMr. Coplestone wanted one" said
Miss Beaufoy calmly.
'sH Mr.. Coplestone wanted one,"
repeated herf father impressively. 'And
that" hewent on, s'leads up to sub
ject on which wish to speak. 1 en-
gagged you under certain and somewhat
peculiar conditions My. choice
here the CLEAN Of 9 smile for q
moment Illuminated Miss Beau
|foy's pale face-.smy choice has
been more than justified byyour conduct
and yonr talents. =